There’s a new sheriff in town

Rucktaeschel resigns, commissioners appoint Schreur sheriff

by Amanda Fanger

reporter@reporterandfarmer.com

Jerred Schreur, former chief sheriff’s deputy, was appointed Day County Sheriff after Ryan Rucktaeschel submitted his resignation of that position Oct. 19 during the regular commission meeting.

That resignation, effective as of the meeting date, was accepted by Day County Commissioners and a separate motion was made to appoint Rucktaeschel as temporary chief deputy of the department for at least the next month. He will then work part time on an on-call basis until a new deputy is found and hired.

“The thing I want to make clear is we’re running an ad for another deputy so the county is still left with one sheriff and three deputies. Ryan is just on board through the transition. I don’t want the public thinking we’re getting a fourth deputy,” Commission Chairman Linda Walters said.

The announcement of Rucktaeschel’s resignation came after a nearly hour-long executive session. A copy of Rucktaeschel’s resignation letter stated he intends to take a different job and requested to remain on the county’s payroll until Nov. 20 in order to assist with the transition. After a second short executive session with then-newly appointed Sheriff Schreur, commissioners agreed to compensate Rucktaeschel at the rate of Schreur’s previous salary while increasing Schreur’s compensation to that of Rucktaeschel’s former rate. After Nov. 20, Rucktaeschel will be paid part time at an hourly rate, as needed, according to the motion by Commissioner Jim Walter. On a roll call vote, Commissioner Derek Sinner was the only one in opposition of the salary motion.

“Welcome aboard,” Walters said to Schreur ahead of Auditor Karli Zimmerman administering the Oath of Office to him.

To Rucktaeschel, Walters said with a laugh, “We’re going to miss arguing with you.”

Rucktaeschel responded, “That’s good.”

Rucktaeschel was elected to office in 2018 to a four-year term.